Flexible lubricator for rod mechanism



July 6 1926. 1,591,390

c. R. LITTLE FLEXIBLE LUBRICATOR FOR ROD MECHANISM Filed Nov. 26, 1924 INVENTOR.

ably-- Q M mL W/AMW ATTORNEY.

Patented July 6, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. 5

CHARLES BANQZDALL LITTLE, .01 COVENTRY, ENGLAND.

FLEXIBLE LUBRICATOR FOB ROD MECHANISM.

Application filed November 26, 2 Serial No. 752,387, and in Great Britain November 27, 1923- p This invention relates to lubricators for rod mechanisms such as valve rockers and push rods of internal combustion engines or other parts involving a rod pivoted to an arm or lever, and has for its object to provide simple, eflicient and inexpensive means for applying lubricant to the moving parts referred to, and excluding dust and grit, thereby preventing rapid deterioration.

According to this invention, I employ a bulb, or chamber, which serves to receive lubricant and is provided with flexible branches which respectively receive the valve rocker the push rod and any other projecting portions attached to, or connected therewith. The branches are preferably of dimensionswhich provide a sufliciently tight fit over the parts they receive.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a section througha lubricator constructed in accordance with this invention, showing it in place on the valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine.

Figure 2 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a modification.

Figure 3 is a side elevation of a further modification, whilst Figure 4; is a part-sectional side elevation of another modification, and

Figure 5 a section of a further modifica tion.

Like letters indicate like parts throughout the drawings.

In the construction shown in Figures 1 and 2, a spherical rubber bulb A is used and this is provided with two branches B and C at right angles to each other. The branch B fits over the push rod X and the other C over the valve rocker Y. The bulb A. is filled with grease and the rocker and push rod inserted in the branches. The resiliency of the rubber permits of the free operation of the mechanism.

In the construction shown in Figure 1, the bulb is formed with a neck D which serves as a vent, and also an orifice for the introduction of lubricant. In Figure 2 the vent E is enclosed by a cap F which snaps onto a flange E around the vent. This cap may be moulded of rubber, as also is the complete lubricator A, B, C, and the. lubricant employed is any suitable grease or other lubricant which will not corrode the rubber.

In the modification shown in Figure 3, the bulb A is formed with two lateral arms C but is otherwise similar to the construction shown in Figure 1. This type is used where there is a single push rod engaging two lat-v erally arranged rockers, or where the rocker is extended beyond the tappet rod to be engagedby a spring or the like.

In the construction shown in Figure 4, the bulb A has two lateral branches 0, and two depending branches D. It is further provided with the vent E and cap F. This construction can be emplo ed where there are two ush rods side by side each actuating a roc er, one rocker extending through the right hand branch 0 and the other through the left hand branch.- v

The only difference inthe modification shown in Figure 5 is that the branches D in the latter construction are moulded on the inside of the bulb, so that the. external appear-ance is neater and the bulb is more flexible.

-By this means it is possible to provide a highly flexible lubricant container, which is very simple to fit, and which effectually lubricates the pivotal connection between a rod anda lever or arm. Whilst the invention is particularly applicable to the valve mechanism of internal combustion engines,

it may be applied to almost any rod orlever pivotal connection.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is 2-- p In a flexible covering for a movable connection, the combination of a bulb having flexible walls enclosing said connection with clearance from it in all directions thereby forming a reservoir for lubricant, a pair of hollow flexible branches connected with said bulb and adapted resiliently to grip respec-- tively the connections introduced therethrough, a further hollow branchforming a passage for the supply of lubricant to the bulb, and a detachable closure device for said further branch.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

CHARLES RANDALL LITTLE. 

